Guests saddle up to the prime rib carving station at the Best Banting Evening to raise money for the Canadian Diabetes Association.
Not much gets between Winnipeggers and a grand meal.
A weekend storm that dumped 30 centimeters of snow on the city certainly didn’t stop 200 food lovers from heading to Red River College’s downtown campus for a six-course, world-food feast.
Winnipeg’s fourth annual Best Banting Evening, held Saturday, November 10th, raised money for the Canadian Diabetes Association and featured a globally inspired menu complete with wine pairings for each course.
Half Pints Brewing Company also provided ales for the occasion. The meal was prepared by the catering staff at Red River College and included themed tasting stations in the main corridor inside the 160 Princess Street campus. The attached dining room was transformed into a cozy winter wonderland with sparkling lights, and silver and periwinkle blue linens. The blustery and building snowstorm grew more ferocious as the evening went on but it didn’t dampen the mood of an exceedingly boisterous crowd. (A Champagne reception, wine and beer tastings, plus liquor-spiked coffees may have had an effect on the noise levels.)
CBC Information Radio co-host Terry MacLeod hosted the evening, which also included silent and live auctions, and personal storytelling by three locals whose lives have been touched by diabetes.
But as is the case, the food was the star of the evening. For $100 per person, eaters were treated to cuisine from Canada, Iceland, Scotland, Austria and the Netherlands.
Canada’s East Coast crab cakes with grilled corn salsa and malt vinegar chips were the belle of the ball. There was a lineup for the perfectly crisped cakes and bright, cilantro-spiked salsa all evening.
Austria’s prime rib with blue cheese sauce was also a highlight, as was a pickled root vegetable salad at the Iceland station.
An abundant dessert bar was loaded with classic and key lime cheesecake and chocolate tortes and cakes, plus fresh fruit. Meanwhile, a coffee and liquor station capped the night.
The event marks the start of Winnipeg’s busy fall and winter fundraising season.
Baconfest runs November 22 inside the atrium at University of Winnipeg’s Richardson College at 599 Portage Avenue. The second annual event raises money for The United Way.
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